4 Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid if You Have Zodiaq Quartz Counters

Ever since DuPont took over the Zodiaq brand of construction materials a few years ago, there’s been some degree of branding confusion, especially since the company decided to feature Zodiaq as part of its Corian collection, which has been around more than five decades. Zodiaq is now known as Corian Quartz, and it isn’t one of DuPont’s solid surface materials. It’s high-quality engineered stone made with more than 90 percent crushed natural quartz and resin.

Here are four mistakes you should avoid when caring for countertops made with Zodiaq Quartz. If you have other brands of quartz or solid surfaces in your home, the following information also applies.

1. Neglecting the Surface

Solid surfaces are often found in the bathrooms of airports, stores, restaurants, and other high-traffic commercial establishments where quartz isn’t typically installed. While solid surfaces are known to withstand considerable punishment, this isn’t the case with quartz because it’s engineered stone, and it requires frequent cleaning. Compared to natural stone, quartz care is fairly simple, but it shouldn’t be neglected.

2. Leaving Spills Unattended

Quartz is often installed as the bar surface in modern British pubs, but you’ll never see the barman or barmaid leaving a spilled pint of lager just sit there, and this has to do with more than just good customer service. If you allow spills to dry on top of quartz, you’ll increase the potential of staining, particularly when the spills are caused by wine, tea, citrus juice, and flavored carbonated drinks. The best way to handle spills is to wipe them up quickly and clean the area with a specially formulated Corian and Zodiaq cleaner.

3. Using Bleach

The permanent seal of quartz won’t degrade with bleach, but you shouldn’t forget that pigments were used in the fabrication process of your countertops. You can use bleach on a stainless steel sink surrounded by quartz. If it splashes on the countertops, you can safely wipe it away, but bleach shouldn’t be used to clean quartz surfaces. Since many household cleaners contain bleach, a quartz cleaner such as Granite Gold Quartz Brite® is your only safe bet.

4. Waxing

There’s no need to apply wax on quartz surfaces. In fact, this will only make a mess. Most quartz finishes feature a high gloss that stays shiny for decades. Even buffing won’t be necessary unless you’re cleaning up a greasy spill. If your quartz countertops are starting to look dull, make sure to use Granite Gold Quartz Brite®, which is a combination quartz cleaner and polish. The gloss will return once the quartz surface has been thoroughly cleaned and dried.

To learn more about caring for Zodiaq, Corian, and other types of quartz and solid surfaces, or for tips on natural-stone care, reach out to Granite Gold®. All of our products are safe to use on all types of quartz surfaces, as well as all types of natural stone, including granite, marble, and travertine. Call 1-800-475-STONE (7866) to speak with one of our knowledgeable representatives. We also send out a monthly newsletter with plenty of great tips on caring for natural stone and quartz, so make sure to sign up today.